awake, i am safe.

safe
when i am
awake

it is sleep
i am careful
not to slip into

lest something
that is now and present
slip away

awake
i am safe
sleep, i dread
and all that
follows

dreams, maybe
nightmares, why not
and time

time
timed
and time in a hurry
like time
losing out on time

time
timed out
and mistimed
rapid eye movement
with vacant
stagnant pupils
and iris
fluttering
like a trapped butterfly
shedding its colours
leaving colours behind on
uncaring callous
fingertips

sleep
sleep i dread

awake
i am safe